Scalars and vectors (AQA A-Level Physics): Flashcards

Has magnitude only, no direction

Has both magnitude and direction

Distance, speed, mass, temperature

Displacement, velocity, force, acceleration

Use Pythagoras' theorem

Use trigonometry (e.g., $\tan \theta = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}}$)

$x = V \cos \theta$

$y = V \sin \theta$

Sum of forces is zero, no resultant force

Draw scale triangle; if closed, in equilibrium